California's Clear-cutting Explosion

Timber industry officials claim that clear-cutting which involves logging every tree in a forested area and replacing it with a tree plantation keeps forests healthy. But enviromentalists worry that this practice endangers our wildlife and natural heritage and point out clear-cutting near the giant sequoias of the Big Trees State Park as an example. Sierra Pacific Industries, a privately-held timber company that has been criticized for its practices has been a contributor to California Governer Gray Davis' campaign last year. While clear-cutting is legal in California, can Californians trust the governor to balance industry interests and the environment? Salon's Mark Hertsgaard investigates.

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan